These high-frequency energy drink consumers were also more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol dependence, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Compared with students who abstained from using energy drinks, the high-frequency users were 2.4 times more likely to be considered alcohol dependent; compared with the low-frequency group, they were 86% more likely.

Researchers weren’t sure if the data went the other way, however, as students may use the energy drinks to “overcome the affects of hangovers.” Either way, it reminds us of something a skate team manager said when we accidentally kicked over a can of Monster at a recent skate contest: “No worries,” he said. “You just saved some kid’s life.”